Upcoming Windows 8.1 update leaked to file-sharing sites, according to multiple reports

By Konrad Krawczyk February 3, 2014

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We probably should have seen this coming, as software leaks – and information leaks in general – are so prevalent these days. According to multiple reports, the upcoming update to Windows 8.1 has been leaked to file-sharing sites way ahead of its official release. The unveil for this update was rumored to be pegged for sometime in March or early April, though an official launch date has yet to be provided.

Assuming that this is the real deal, the update includes features that were teased in leaked screenshots that were released by Russian site Wzor, including the ability to boot straight to the classic desktop UI automatically without any configuration required. Users may also be able to minimize Metro/Modern apps, which suggests that you’ll be able to use them from the desktop UI, as well as from within the tiled portion of the OS.

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Turning off your Windows 8.1 PC may also become a bit easier, as the leaked update reportedly features a power button that saves you from having to swipe in from the right side of the screen in order to shut down or restart your rig.

We searched around a bit on torrent sites to see if we could find any download links for the leaked update, just to see what people are saying in the comments. We haven’t been able to find such pages, but if we do, we’ll update this story with reactions from those who opted to snag the leaked update.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

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